By Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh
In four years, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) will commemorate the fiftieth (50th) year of its existence. Founded with the primary goal of addressing students’ concerns such as scholarships, improvised libraries and hostels, KSU has evolved significantly over the years. This transformation has led to the Union taking on various forms and roles in the larger socio-political space.
As KSU reaches this milestone, it is important to begin reflecting on its past activities and look forward to its future in serving the students and community. It is indeed time for introspection and critical appraisal. This exercise will allow the students’ body to evaluate, especially on the leadership and organogram, the involvement of students (both male and female) in movements throughout the past decades and to critically look at the issues raised. Are some of the issues which were raised still relevant? Or are there new and hard pressing issues which confront the present and which will impact the future? It is also crucial for the Union to allow/acknowledge objective and critical readings of its activities and socio-political movements, by non-members and even by those outside the community. Such exercise will make the Union gain clarity of thought and values as it strives forward as sons and daughters of the soil.
As we look forward to the commemoration in 2028(?) and despite the limited resources, its is important to reflect on the contributions of the founder President of the KSU, Bah Panbor Tariang. I invite students, researchers and other individuals to contribute their stories and experiences related to KSU. This includes critical analysis of the roles and actions of past and current leaders. By engaging in this collaborative effort, I believe we can enhance the significance of the commemoration.
The Twentieth Day of March 1978:
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) was not born in a vacuum. There was a context to the emergence of the KSU and as early as 1908, the Khasi students’ community came together and collectively challenged the British Government’s policy which impeded the growth of Khasi students. Later in 1955, they became well organized and constituted the Khasi Student Association (KSA). From 1960 to 1977, various student organizations emerged. These included the Hills Students Union (HSU), the Khasi Jaiñtia Students’ Union (KJSU) and the Shillong Students Union (SSU).
It was on March 20, 1978, that the Khasi students comprising mainly university students of North Eastern Hill University and twelve colleges in Shillong, organized themselves into the Khasi Students’ Union and elected amongst themselves the following leaders, namely, (i)Mr Panbor Tariang as President (ii) Ms Bluecylian Jyrwa & Mr Aibuit S Rynjah as Vice-Presidents respectively (iii) Mr Geoffrey Basan as General Secretary (iv) Ms Bertha Dkhar, Ms Velerina Basaïawmoit, Mr S. Marshall Nongkynrih and Mr Langstong Slong as Joint Secretaries and (v) Ms Miranda Hynñiewta as Treasurer.
Recognizing the need to address various concerns affecting the student’s community, the KSU submitted its first ever memorandum to the Government highlighting issues such as, free studentship, scholarship, book bank provisions and improvements of library and hostel facilities. The students were deeply concerned about the government’s inaction in organizing excursions and exposure trips, which they believed were crucial for overall growth and development of students (Khasi Students’ Union Memorandum Dated 21st March 1978).
Panbor Tariang the
Resident and President:
Panbor Tariang, who was a resident of Riatsamthiah, Shillong, was pursuing his master’s degree in science (MSc) at North Eastern Hills University, when he was elected President of KSU on 20th March 1978. In my conversations with several people, they narrated fascinating stories about Panbor Tariang as a student and youth of the locality. His leadership qualities are manifested in his role as a member of the larger community, and he was the leading face of the youth in Riatsamthiah. He was active in grass roots governance via the Dorbar Shnong and the Presbyterian Church in Riatsamthiah. He developed his leadership qualities through his involvement with the community and he acquired knowledge from elders whom he befriended. His inquisitive character and attentiveness to the teachings/guidance of community leaders and elders have shaped and moulded him into a sound and intellectually able leader.
Allan Lyndem, who had known Panbor Tariang from close quarters, shared his thoughts on the latter’s vast knowledge and ability to provide factual and accurate information about world events. At a time when sources of information were limited to Amrita Bazar Patrika and Assam Tribune, Panbor was a valuable source for his community and students who yearned to learn and gather knowledge. He discussed Panbor’s knowledge on significant events such as the Bangladesh War, Bordoloi Football Trophy Tournament, Northeast Re-Organization Act, Vietnam War, Yom Kippur War and the 1975 Emergency.
Allan, also recounted an incident where Panbor wanted to gather more information from his uncle, Morgan Lyndem, about the student-led Black Flag Protest in Shillong on 27th June 1952, against the United Khasi & Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. Morgan (who was elected as the Ward Commissioner of Shillong Municipality from Mawkhar in 1966) known for his unique way of responding to queries, used a riddle and metaphor to describe the event as the Independence Day Cup, with Khasis qualifying for the final on 21st July 1949 and winning the tournament. However, the organizers did not recognize the Khasi people as the winners. Three years elapsed but instead of honouring the Khasi people with the trophy and placing them in the First Schedule position, the organizers brazenly relegated the Khasi people to the Sixth Schedule position. Panbor instinctively comprehended the hidden meaning behind Morgan’s analogy, which then led to the protest. This story highlights Panbor Tariang’s wisdom, understanding and ability to connect the dots in complex situations, as well as the importance of preserving history and fighting for the rights of community.
During the years 1974 to 1976, Panbor held the position of President of the Shillong Students Union (SSU). Under his guidance the SSU collaborated with the Shillong City Bus Syndicate to provide identity cards to students who lived far away from their schools. This initiative allowed these students to utilize the city bus service at a reduced cost. Additionally, under Panbor’s leadership the SSU vehemently opposed the creation of the Meghalaya Board of School Education in Tura.
Negotiation is the Way:
During Panbor Tariang’s Presidency, the Khasi Students’ Union laid the foundational principle of talks and negotiations. In 1978, significant events took place under his leadership. In March 1978, Panbor led a delegation to submit the memorandum to the Chief Minister and in August the same year, another memorandum was submitted to address various issues.
When the Government failed to address these concerns, students resorted to an indefinite strike of schools and colleges starting from September 12, 1978. The Government issued the Press Statement on the same day, acknowledging the students’ agitation and their demands. Following this, the KSU leaders participated in the negotiations called by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District. Initially the KSU was unaware of the Government’s actions and developments, but they agreed to engage in talks. During the negotiations it was resolved- “The meeting of the Executive Members of the Khasi Students’ Union held in the Office Chamber of the Deputy Commissioner on the 13th September 1978 at 12.00 Noon in the presence of Mr T.W Pakyntein, IAS, Deputy Commissioner…considered the press note issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya on the 12th September 1978, which contained a resume of action taken by the State Government on the memorandum submitted by the Khasi Students’ Union to the Chief Minister on the 28th August 1978…In consideration of the redress, Government had made of the demands…of which the Khasi Students’ Union had no knowledge so far, the Executive Members present unanimously decided to call off the indefinite strike with immediate effect…”
To conclude, Panbor Tariang was a respected and influential figure in his community, known for his friendly nature, leadership and intellectual calibre, and commitment to the cause. His legacy continues to be remembered and cherished by the members of the KSU and the community, especially those who had the privilege of knowing him.